An After Dinner Treat for Dogs with Diabetes

An Easy Homemade Dog Treat

Dr. Joseph J. Wakshlag, DVM

Associate Professor of Clinical Nutrition

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Ithaca, NY

Even dogs with diabetes deserve a treat now and then. Check out this home-baked recipe for a doggie treat that'll be safe for your pal.

Does your dog suffer from diabetes? The disease that affects nearly 26 million Americans also affects our canine companions. Early symptoms include frequent urination, excess water consumption, an abnormally hearty appetite, and unexplained loss of weight. While it is important for diabetics to stay away from sugar and foods that creates spikes in their insulin levels, even the strictest dog owner understands the need for a rewarding dog treat every once in a while, even for dogs with diabetes.

Depending on how well controlled your dog's blood sugar levels are, a few treats a day may be allowed. Check with your veterinarian as to whether they think this is a good idea. If so, the following recipe is the perfect substitute for commercial dog treats, which can be laced with hidden sugar, salt, and sometimes a lot more carbohydrates than bargained for. The psyllium husk powder in these treats (which you can find at your local vitamin store if you can’t find any at the grocery store), will add fiber to your dog’s diet and help control your pal’s glucose (blood sugar) level in a tasty treat.

Doggie diabetes is common, but a boring dog prescription diet doesn’t have to be. Give your pup the indulgence they deserve while still putting their health first.

Recipe: The After-Dinner Delicacy

Ingredients:

¼ cup of vegetable oil

¾ cup of hot water

½ cup of margarine (preferred over butter)

½ cup of powdered milk

½ teaspoon of salt

4 tablespoons of psyllium husk powder

1 egg (or egg substitute)

3 cups of whole wheat flour (preferred over white)

Instructions:

To begin, melt margarine in the microwave. In a large bowl, mix powdered milk, egg, salt, and psyllium husk powder. Add margarine, vegetable oil, and water, and mix. Next, pour flour into the mixture slowly, mixing it as you go. Stir the mixture then knead with your knuckles until it forms a dough. Roll out your dough until it's one half-inch thick and cut into individual sections. Bake at 325 °F for 50 minutes. Let the treats sit until they cool and harden.

Tip! Have fun and get creative with your cookie shapes. Just make sure you keep them labeled so you don’t accidentally grab one for a midnight snack!

This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian. It has however been reviewed for accuracy by Dr. Joe, a board certified veterinary nutritionist and graduate of Cornell University's program for Veterinary Medicine.